Synthesis and rotational barriers of atropisomers of 1,2-bis[5-(11H-benzo[b]fluorenyl)]benzenes and related compounds

Several 1,2-bis[5-(11H-benzo[b]fluorenyl)]benzenes and related compounds were synthesized via a cascade reaction sequence of the corresponding benzannulated enyne-allene precursors. The X-ray structures showed that the two benzo[b]fluorenyl moieties attached via the C5 carbons to the adjacent carbon atoms of the central benzene ring are oriented essentially perpendicular to the central benzene ring. The rates of rotation around the carbon–carbon single bonds attaching the benzo[b]fluorenyl moieties to the central benzene ring are relatively slow, allowing several anti and syn atropisomers to be separated at ambient temperature.